FAMU Board picks Mangum as next school President

Florida A&M University is selecting a Cornell University vice president to lead the school following a tumultuous period in the school history.

FAMU's Board of Trustees on Thursday selected Elmira Mangum for the job. But the vote came after FAMU's own alumni association and others pleaded with board members to consider interim president Larry Robinson for the job.

Robinson had not been allowed by the board to apply for the position. But one FAMU trustee member bluntly said that Mangum was not as qualified as Robinson and that the board should reconsider its decision.

The board vote in favor of Mangum was 10-2.

FAMU's last permanent president James Ammons abruptly resigned in July 2012. His resignation came several months after the hazing death of drum major Robert Champion.